Excitement is building across Africa as OMEGA, the Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, unveiled the official countdown clock marking one year to go until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) — the first Olympic event ever to be held on African soil.
The unveiling ceremony, held at Dakar Gare in the heart of the city, marked a historic milestone for Senegal and the continent. The event brought together key figures including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, Mamadou Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Youth Organising Committee (YOGOC), and Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of YOGOC.
IOC President Coventry hailed the occasion as a defining moment for both the Olympic Movement and Africa’s sporting future.
“Dakar 2026 was created from the vision of bringing the Youth Olympic Games to every corner of the world, placing them at the heart of Africa’s transformation,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to OMEGA for their unwavering partnership and commitment to Olympic values.”
OMEGA CEO Aeschlimann reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and its pride in supporting the first-ever Youth Olympic Games on African soil.
“It’s an honour for OMEGA to be involved in this historic IOC event,” he said. “At the Youth Olympic Games, we often see the start of remarkable athletic careers, and Dakar 2026 will be no exception.”
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YOGOC President Mamadou Ndiaye described the unveiling as a powerful symbol of progress and anticipation.
“With hosting taking place in Africa, this edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be unlike any other. The culture and spirit of Senegal will make this event truly special,” he said.
The countdown clock continues OMEGA’s longstanding tradition of marking milestones toward each Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the Official Timekeeper for Dakar 2026, OMEGA will provide state-of-the-art timing systems — including photofinish cameras, electronic starting pistols, and quantum timers — to ensure precise and fair competition.
Set to run from October 31 to November 13, 2026, Dakar 2026 will feature around 2,700 young athletes competing in 153 events across three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The Games are expected to inspire a new generation of African athletes and celebrate the continent’s growing role in global sport.